Two Years Before The Mast First Edition
A first edition, first issue of Two Years Before The Mast by Richard Henry Dana Jr. (Harper & Brothers, 1840) is worth about $2,300 unsigned in near fine condition, based on recorded sales. The first point to check: Title page: “New-York: Harper & Brothers, 82 Cliff-Street. 1840” — dated 1840.
Market value · Unsigned, near fine
$2,300
Valued from 1 recorded sales in the last 12 months.
What a copy is worth
| Condition | Unsigned |
|---|---|
| Fine | $2,645 |
| Near fine | $2,300 |
| Very good | $2,000 |
| Good | $2,000 |
| Fair | $2,000 |
How to identify this edition
These points tell this edition apart from other printings and editions of Two Years Before The Mast.
✓ Title page: “New-York: Harper & Brothers, 82 Cliff-Street. 1840” — dated 1840
✓ Series: Harper’s Family Library No. CVI on the title, boards and spine
✓ Copyright page: dotted “i” in “in” on the copyright line (“Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1840…”)
✓ Page 9: perfect type in the text
✓ Binding: publisher’s tan muslin or brown cloth, front board printed as the title page, spine lettered “Family Library No. CVI”
Common questions
- How do I know if my copy of Two Years Before The Mast is a first edition, first issue?
- ✓ Title page: “New-York: Harper & Brothers, 82 Cliff-Street. 1840” — dated 1840 ✓ Series: Harper’s Family Library No. CVI on the title, boards and spine ✓ Copyright page: dotted “i” in “in” on the copyright line (“Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1840…”) ✓ Page 9: perfect type in the text ✓ Binding: publisher’s tan muslin or brown cloth, front board printed as the title page, spine lettered “Family… The identification points above show each one.
- How much is a first edition, first issue of Two Years Before The Mast worth?
- $2,000–$2,645 unsigned, depending on condition and whether it is signed (values as of November 2026). Values come from recorded sales of this exact printing, not asking prices.
- Can I sell my copy of Two Years Before The Mast?
- Yes. We value the exact copy from recorded sales and make a firm cash offer, free and with no obligation to sell.
Selling a copy?
We value the exact copy from recorded sales and make a firm cash offer, free and with no obligation. Get an offer.